The marketing of UW-Whitewater’s football program is now a year-round endeavor. Much like it is for our neighbors in Madison, filling the football stadium on game days is important. Be it Camp Randall Stadium on the campus of the University of Wisconsin or Perkins Stadium here in Whitewater the game-day experience is much more than just a football game.
South-Central Wisconsin residents received a new “Yellow Book” phone book in the mail last week. The photo on the cover of the Yellow Book is an aerial view of Perkins Stadium and over 12,000 fans enjoying Warhawk football amongst a fall color splashed vista.
UW-Whitewater’s incredible success on the football field brings thousands of fans from outside the immediate area to Whitewater five or six game day Saturday’s each season.
"It's more than a game," said UW-Whitewater athletic director Paul Plinske. "From tailgating to in-game promotions to the video board, we provide an exciting atmosphere that tops Division III. Plus, who wouldn't want to hear the cannon fire after each Warhawk touchdown?"
The Warhawks finished second in the nation last year in regular season, Division III football attendance for by drawing 37,760 fans to the “Perk.” In 2011 Whitewater led the nation by drawing over 8,000 fans per game on the way to a third consecutive national championship season.
Big crowds at Perkins Stadium translates into cash registers ringing in Whitewater and surrounding area.
A 2011 story in the Janesville Gazette focused on the economic impact created by big football Saturday crowds flocking to the Perk.
According to the story, UW-Whitewater athletics has had a significant affect on the community and region. A report conducted by the Fiscal and Economic Research Center at UW-Whitewater found the school’s athletics bring about $2.7 million to communities in Rock, Walworth and Jefferson counties.
Much of that money is spent at local restaurants, hotels, gas stations and grocery stores, according to the report. Every dollar spent by way of the athletics department generates about $1.45 worth of growth, it added.
Sales of UW-Whitewater apparel also is a key element of “branding” of the University and its athletic teams. The filled to capacity photo of Perkins Stadium is just the latest marketing effort in advance of its 2013 football season.
Whitewater normally has five home games each season. This year the Warhawks will look to “Pack the Perk” six times starting with the season opener vs. Washington University (St. Louis) at 12-noon on September 7th. Look for tailgating in the parking lots surrounding the stadium to be going strong by 8 a.m.
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